Thrones

An order of angels in Jewish and Christian angelology, also known as Ophanim (wheels). Thrones are celestial beings closely associated with God’s divine justice and the maintenance of cosmic order.

Biblical Description

In Ezekiel’s Vision

The prophet Ezekiel provides the most detailed description of these beings (Ezekiel 1:15-21, 10:9-17):

Physical Appearance:

• Wheel-like structures that appeared beside the cherubim
• Wheels within wheels (intersecting at right angles)
• Rims full of eyes all around
• Gleaming like beryl or topaz
• Moved in perfect harmony with the cherubim

Movement and Behavior:

• Could move in any of the four directions without turning
• Lifted up from the earth with the cherubim
• The spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels
• Where the spirit wanted to go, they went

In Daniel

Daniel’s vision mentions thrones around God’s throne of judgment:

• “Thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took his seat” (Daniel 7:9)
• Associated with divine judgment and sovereignty

In Judaism

Jewish tradition understands Ophanim as:

Mystical Tradition

• Part of the Merkabah (divine chariot) mysticism
• Among the highest orders of angels
• Serve as the wheels of God’s throne-chariot
• Associated with divine motion and presence

Characteristics

• Covered with eyes representing divine omniscience
• Never rest, constantly moving with God’s will
• Associated with the color of fire
• Embody God’s providence and watchfulness

In Christianity

Christian angelology incorporated Thrones into the celestial hierarchy:

In Pseudo-Dionysius’s Hierarchy

Thrones occupy the third rank of the highest order:

1. First Sphere (closest to God): Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones

Theological Role

• Bear God’s throne of judgment
• Embody divine justice and authority
• Channel God’s power to lower orders of angels
• Represent God’s steadfast commitment to justice

New Testament Reference

The Apostle Paul mentions “thrones” among celestial powers:

• “By him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities” (Colossians 1:16)

In Christian Thought

Medieval theologians understood Thrones as:

• Angels who present prayers to God
• Beings who bring God’s justice to bear
• Representatives of divine humility (despite their high rank)
• The seat of divine judgment

Etymology and Symbolism

The Name “Thrones”

• From Greek “thronos” (θρόνος) meaning seat or throne
• Represents God’s authority and sovereignty
• Symbolizes stability and the seat of judgment

The Name “Ophanim”

• Hebrew for “wheels”
• Emphasizes motion and divine activity
• Represents God’s omnipresence

The Many Eyes

The eyes covering the wheels symbolize:

• Divine Omniscience: God sees all
• Watchfulness: Constant vigilance over creation
• Wisdom: Perfect knowledge and understanding
• Justice: Nothing escapes divine judgment

Theological Significance

Thrones represent:

• Divine Justice: They are instruments of God’s righteous judgment
• God’s Sovereignty: As throne-bearers, they uphold divine rule
• Cosmic Order: Their perfect motion represents the ordered nature of creation
• Divine Presence: They accompany God’s manifestation in the world
• Humility in Service: Despite their exalted position, they serve as God’s “furniture”

Distinction from Lower Orders

While seraphim embody love and worship, and cherubim embody knowledge and protection, Thrones specifically embody:

• Divine justice and judgment
• The execution of God’s will
• The stability and order of God’s rule
• The connection between heaven and earth through divine governance

In Art and Literature

Christian art typically depicts Thrones as:

• Wheel-like forms covered with eyes
• Golden or fiery wheels
• Sometimes as angelic figures seated on or associated with wheels
• Often shown beneath God’s throne in throne room scenes

The imagery of wheels within wheels and eyes has inspired countless artistic and literary interpretations, from medieval illuminated manuscripts to modern science fiction.